Amber Heard's ex-girlfriend has released a statement defending the actress in the wake of reports of a domestic violence arrest in 2009.

The 30-year-old filed to end her 15-month-marriage to Johnny Depp last month (May16), accusing the movie star of physically and emotionally abusing her, and the drama put a spotlight on her past romance struggles earlier this week (beg06Jun16).

According to police documents obtained by TMZ, Amber became involved in an alleged public altercation with her then girlfriend, photographer Tasya van Ree, in September, 2009, when she reportedly hit her in the arm during a row at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington.

The Danish Girl star was arrested and booked for misdemeanour domestic violence and faced the charge in court the next day, but prosecutors decided against pursuing the count as both she and Tasya were residents of California, not Washington.

Now, Tasya has come forward to refute the arrest reports, insisting her ex was "wrongfully accused for an incident that was misinterpreted and over-sensationalised by two individuals in a power position."

In a statement issued to JustJared.com, she writes: "I recount hints of misogynistic attitudes toward us which later appeared to be homophobic when they found out we were domestic partners and not just 'friends'. Charges were quickly dropped and she was released moments later."

While Tasya and Amber eventually broke up, the former lovers remain on good terms, and the photographer also opened up about the actress' divorce drama and the way she is being treated by the media.

"It’s disheartening that Amber’s integrity and story are being questioned yet again," she added. "Amber is a brilliant, honest and beautiful woman and I have the utmost respect for her. We shared 5 wonderful years together and remain close to this day."

Amber began dating Johnny after meeting him on the set of 2011 movie The Rum Diary and they wed in February, 2015.

She filed for divorce on 23 May (16) and four days later obtained a domestic violence restraining order against the Pirates of the Caribbean star.

Amber claimed Depp assaulted her at her birthday party on 21 April (16) and then disappeared for a month. The couple allegedly fought on his return on 21 May (16), and Heard claims her husband threw an iPhone at her face, causing the bruising she showed off as she attended court for the protective order last month (May16).